The Bengals have seen 2023 fifth-round pick Chase Brown become a three-down player, and the sides have begun extension talks. Cincinnati also sits at No. 10 overall this year. That is not seen as optimal placement for grabbing this draft’s top running back.
But Cincinnati is playing host to Jeremiyah Love on a “30” visit, with NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport indicating that meeting is taking place today.
It would take a few teams passing on the impact talent for Love to reach Cincinnati, but the Notre Dame product does play a position that many teams devalue. That said, the Giants (No. 5) and Commanders (No. 7) have been closely connected to the dual-threat back. Love also visited the Titans recently. If the Bengals want to pair Love with Joe Burrow, they would likely need to trade up. The Jets met with Love recently as well, though they are being tied more closely to Ohio State hybrid linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 2.
Scoring 40 touchdowns over the past two seasons, Love amassed 1,652 scrimmage yards in 2025 and 1,362 in 2024. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry in both seasons. Love sits second on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board, trailing only Fernando Mendoza there.
Love is viewed as the only first-round-caliber RB in this year’s class, giving the teams that do not snag him in the top 10 needs that will need to be addressed on Days 2 and/or 3. Love’s Notre Dame backup last season, Jadarian Price, is viewed as this draft’s second-best back. Beyond the two former Fighting Irish teammates, no RBs reside in Jeremiah’s top 50. ESPN’s most recent mock sends Love to the Giants, while Price goes to the Vikings at No. 49. Illustrating the top-heavy construction of this RB crop, ESPN has no other backs going off the board until No. 96 (Arkansas’ Mike Washington).
One season remains on Brown’s rookie contract. He has outplayed his fifth-round slot, totaling 1,356 and 1,450 scrimmage yards over the past two seasons while scoring 11 TDs in each campaign. The Bengals reacquired Samaje Perine to back him up last year; one season remains on the veteran’s contract. The team also rosters 2025 sixth-rounder Tahj Brooks.
Why aren’t The Browns meeting with Love? For no other reason to give teams the appearance they are interested and offer a trade to move up and get him.
A team that wanted Love would trade up with the Browns because they thought the Commanders wanted him, not because they thought the Browns wanted him.
It’s all a scam.
lol I think alot of these top 30 visits are scams/misdirects. For example a top 5 team trying to nab the top MLB will offer 30 visits for a RB WR and CB lol
Heard Dane Brugler talk about this recently. Sometimes teams won’t bring in a guy they really like so as not to call attention to it. Or sometimes because they don’t need to because they got what they needed from the combine and pro day. Some teams will bring in guys just to confirm things they don’t like or get a read on his personality. Teams have brought in guys who definitely won’t go until day three because they’re curious about position changes. It’s all over the place.
Facts. lol bengals with Jeremiah love? What a joke man. Anything in this business goes apparently lol
Wouldn’t be the craziest thing in the world. Doubt it happens, but if a guy a lot of people think is the best prospect in the draft (if you ignore positional value) falls to 11, it’s at least worth a thought.
But also, this is an opportunity for teams to meet guys. You never know which players will be available a year or five down the line. No harm in meeting a guy. Not everything is either smokescreen or serious interest.
Unless he can play linebacker they need to pass.